System and method for transmitting voice messages through the internet

ABSTRACT

A system for transmitting messages from a caller location to a receiver location using a plurality of computers  11  each coupled to another such as the Internet. The system also has a plurality of access devices  13   a - 13   l , which are coupled to the network through a telecommunication line. These access devices include computers, workstations, and the like. Each access device includes a voice conversion board for converting a voice message from a telephone device  17, 19  into digital data for transmission through the network.

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.08/831,790 filed on Apr. 9, 1997 entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD FORTRANSMITTING VOICE MESSAGES THROUGH THE INTERNET, which is aNon-Provisional of Ser. No. 60/033,416 filed on Nov. 15, 1996, havingTaka Migimatsu listed as the inventor, are incorporated herein byreference in it entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to communication techniques. Thetechniques include a system and method of communicating telephonemessages, such as voice, paging, and facsimile (fax) messages, by way ofthe Internet or any other network system having some form oftransmission control protocol and not necessarily the TCP/IP protocols.More specifically, the invention relates to communicating such messagesfrom and to stations which need not themselves require a computer or, inthe case of voice transmission, any other form of central processingunit or digital signal processor.

Conventional telephone and facsimile communication involves real timecommunication and is often directly between calling and receivingparties. These conventional techniques generally require a telephoneand/or a facsimile machine. As numerous countries industrialize,telephones and facsimile machines are becoming more availableworld-wide. As the number of users increases, the amount of trafficgenerated by telephones and/or facsimile machines also increasesproportionately. Telephone calls between users in different countriessuch as Japan and the United States, however, continue to be quiteexpensive. For instance, a typical week-long business trip in Japan fromthe United States can incur hundreds of U.S. dollars worth of telephoneservices. Increased traffic generated by telephones and/or facsimilemachines also leads to “jams” in the communication lines, therebyleading to calls that never reach the receiving party.

In attempts to resolve some of these limitations, communicationtechniques have been proposed to use the Internet as a real timecommunication means. These communication techniques generally require atleast two computers, where one computer is at the caller site and theother computer is at the receiver site. These computers, however,require a modem, which is connected to the Internet using a TCP/IPtransmission protocol. A limitation with these techniques is thatcomputers connected to the Internet are not generally available at easyto use locations. In addition, the servers on the Internet oftenmalfunction, which lead to less than real time communication betweencalling and receiving parties.

From the above, it can be seen that a technique for communication thatis easy-to-use and cost effective is highly desirable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, a technique for providing voicemessages and paging functions using a system of “networked” computers isprovided. This technique, including a method and system, uses existingtelephones and pagers which are coupled to the Internet system fortransmitting and receiving voice messages to a receiver from a caller.

In a specific embodiment, the present invention provides a system fortransmitting messages from a caller location to a receiver locationusing a plurality of computers each coupled to another such as theInternet. The system also has a plurality of access devices, which arecoupled to the network through a telecommunication line. These accessdevices include computers, workstations, and the like. Each accessdevice includes a voice conversion board for converting a voice messagefrom a telephone device into digital data for transmission through thenetwork.

In an alternative embodiment, a method for telecommunication isprovided. The method includes transmitting information from a firsttelephone device at a receiver location in a first service area througha telecommunication medium (i.e., telephone line, etc.), and receivingat the first service area the information in a first access device. Themethod also includes converting the information into a digital signal,and transmitting the digital signal over the Internet to a second accessdevice at a second service area. Further steps of converting the digitalsignal into data for storage into a memory, and retrieving the data fromthe memory at the second service area using a second telephone deviceare provided.

A system for transmitting messages from a caller location to a receiverlocation using a paging system is also provided according to the presentinvention. The system has a plurality of computers, each of thecomputers being coupled to each other through a network such as theInternet. The system also has a plurality of access devices which areeach coupled to the network through a telecommunication line. A pagingdevice is also provided. This paging device is coupled to the accessdevice using a paging system, which is adapted to receive paging datafrom a caller which will be sent to a receiver. The access deviceincludes a processor coupled to a memory. The processor is also coupledto a voice conversion board for converting a voice message from atelephone device into digital data for transmission through the network.The processor also oversees receiving first paging data from the callerand transmitting paging data to the receiver through thetelecommunication line.

In yet an alternative embodiment, a method of telecommunication using apaging system is provided. The method includes receiving at an accesscomputer voice message data and paging data from a telecommunicationline coupled to the Internet, where the paging data includes a pagingnumber and a caller code. The method also includes converting the pagingdata and the caller code into telephone key codes at the access computerand calling a paging unit at a receiver location using a paging system,and transmitting the caller code to the paging unit at the receivinglocation, which calls the receiver using a local number.

Benefits of the invention include an easy-to-use voice mail and pagingsystem. In particular, a caller of the present invention can rely uponalmost any telephone to leave a voice mail for a receiver at a non-localmailbox using a local call or the like, which reduces costs associatedwith any conventional long distance telephone calls. Additionally, acaller can also page and leave a voice mail for a receiver at anon-local mailbox using a local call, further reducing costs associatedwith conventional long distance telephone calls. The page attracts theattention of the receiver, who can then call at that time, or some othertime. Since these calls are generally all local in nature, the callerdoes not incur the costs associated with long distance calls. These longdistance calls can be quite substantial when calling from countriesoutside the United States such as Japan, Korea, Europe, and others tothe United States, for example.

The present invention achieves these benefits and others in the contextof known telephone and computer technology. A further understanding ofthe nature and advantages of the present invention, however, may berealized by reference to the latter portions of the specification andattached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of access computers coupled to anetwork of computers according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a system 40 according to a preferredembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a simplified flow chart of a process according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a simplified block diagram of an alternative embodiment ofaccess computers coupled to a network of computers according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a simplified flow chart of a further process according tostill another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a simplified block diagram of access computers coupled to anetwork of computers and a paging system according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 7 is a simplified flow chart of a process using the paging systemwith the access computers according to the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a simplified flow chart of an alternative process using thepaging system with the access computers according to the presentinvention; and

FIGS. 9-12 are simplified flow chart diagrams of system softwareaccording to embodiments of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is a simplified representation of a network of computers, e.g.,Internet, etc. The simplified representation of computers is merely anillustration and should not limit the scope of the claims definedherein. The network of computers 11 can be the Internet 11. The Internetincludes representative computers 13 a through 13 l interconnected witheach other, as well as with many other computers (not shown), by meansof the usual telephone lines and/or gateways 15. Each of the computers13 a through 13 l serve as an access point in the system of theinvention. The computers are merely illustrative, there can be hundreds,thousands, or even millions of these access point computers or accessdevices. The computers can be any suitable computer or workstationcapable of coupling to the Internet. Examples of these computers includepersonal computers, computers sold under the tradename of Apple™,workstations, network computers, and others. These computers can alsorun a variety of operating systems and have various browsers or thelike. Additional features of the computer will be discussed by way ofthe description below.

In addition to the access point computers 13 a through 13 l, there areshown representative telephone sets 17 and 19 and fax machines 21 and23. The telephone 17 may be selectively coupled through its own centraloffice 25, and possibly others, to various telephone units throughoutthe world. Similarly, the telephone 19 and faxes 21 and 23 may beselectively coupled through their respective central stations 27, 29 and31 to other telephone units. The telephone units can be any devicecapable of transmission of voice signals into the telephone lines oftelephone companies. These telephones include conventional analogphones, digital phones, computer phones, cellular phones, and the like.As for the facsimile machines, they can be almost any suitable machinecapable of transmitting facsimile data via telephone lines. Thetelephones and facsimile machines are merely illustrative, literallyhundreds, thousands, millions, and even billions of these units may becoupled to the access point computers.

So that all of the access computers 13 a through 13 l are capable ofcommunicating on the Internet, they should each usually include a modem.So that computers 13 l, 13 k, 13 e, 13 f, for example, can communicatewith telephones 17, 19, and fax 21, 23, they should each include avoice/fax board 33. The voice/fax board can be a single unit or multipleunits, depending upon the application. An example of a preferredvoice/fax board is one sold by a company called Rhetorix, Model RDSP. Ofcourse, other boards can be used depending upon the application.

In addition, each of the access point computers 13 a through 13 lincludes two types of control, one for telephone/fax communication andone for Internet communication. Such controls are known in the art andare software controllable, but can be hardware controllable too.Furthermore, each of the access computers 13 a through 13 l should becapable of performing the functions of a host computer; that is, itshould be capable of transmitting and receiving data from and to otheraccess computers by using a communication protocol. In order for thesystem to operate automatically, at least one access computer must be aserver in the sense that it has a dedicated Internet connection. Ifnon-automatic operation is acceptable, no server at all is necessary solong as both the sending and receiving access computers and their modemsare up and running at the time of transmission.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a system 40 according to a preferredembodiment of the present invention. System 40 includes a monitor 45, acomputer 50, a keyboard 55, a graphical input device 60, and a voice/faxboard 65. Computer 50 includes familiar computer components such as aprocessor 70, and memory storage devices, such as a random access memory(RAM) 75, a disk drive 80, and a system bus 85 interconnecting the abovecomponents. A telephone line 90 is coupled to voice/fax board 65.

A mouse is but one example of a graphical input device, also known as apointing device, a trackball is another. RAM 75 and disk drive 80 areexamples of tangible media for storage of computer programs such asembodiments of the herein described methods. Other types of tangiblemedia include floppy disks, removable hard disks, optical storage mediasuch as CD-ROMS and bar codes, and semiconductor memories such as flashmemories, read-only-memories (ROMS), and battery-backed volatilememories.

In a preferred embodiment, System 40 includes a IBM PC compatiblecomputer having a '586-class based microprocessor, such a Pentium™ fromIntel Corporation, running WindowsNT™ from Microsoft Corporation, andCalleX™ software from Tokis Inc. Voice/fax board 65 is preferably a RDSPboard from Rhetorix. Inc.

FIG. 2 is a representative of one type of system embodying the presentinvention. It will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in theart that many system types, hardware and software configurations aresuitable for use with the presently described embodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3 together, the operation of a system inaccordance with the invention may be better understood. This operationis merely an example and should not limit the scope of the claims. Oneof ordinary skill in the art would recognize other modifications,variations, and alternatives.

In an embodiment, when a user of telephone 17, located for instance inthe United States in the “415” telephone area code and the “472” servicearea, desires to send a voice mail message to someone in London, Englandhaving the telephone number 44-181-456-1234, he need merely telephone anaccess computer 13 l in his own local telephone area.

The access computer 13 l is configured to periodically operate in itstelephone/fax control mode and, in that mode, to poll the incomingtelephone lines to determine whether a call is being received as shownin FIG. 3 at step 101. When the incoming call from telephone 17 isrecognized, the program configuration of the computer 13 l causes to begenerated a recognizable tone signal or a prerecorded or digital voicestatement asking the caller to identify himself, step 103, and toprovide the destination telephone number, including all necessarycountry and area codes, step 105.

In response to these inquiries, the caller need merely key the requestedidentification and destination information through his telephonehandset. Upon confirmation of valid responses to these inquiries, steps107 and 109, another recognizable tone signal or prerecorded or digitalvoice statement may be generated asking the caller to then speak thevoice message or to start the fax to be forwarded to the destinationnumber, step 111. The caller then merely speaks his message.

The caller's message is received by the access computer 13 l through itsvoice/fax board 33 where it is converted from analog to digital format,creating a message file, step 113. The destination telephone number isappended to the message file, step 115. In the event that no country orarea code was keyed in, indicating a “local” message, the accesscomputer will add default country and/or area codes for its ownlocation. The message file is then stored in an outgoing repositorymemory 35 in the access computer 13 l and the file is considered“ready”.

In the Internet mode of operation, the access computer 13 l isprogrammed to periodically poll the outgoing repository memory 35 todetermine whether a message to be communicated has been stored, step117. Upon recognizing that the message from telephone 17 has been storedin the repository memory, the access computer 13 l will compare thedestination telephone number, 44-181-456-1234, with a host computer namelook-up table and determine the Internet address of the access computernearest to that of the destination telephone number, step 119. Adrastically abridged version of such a table is shown in the tablebelow:

Country Area Service Name of Nearest Code Code Area Code Host Computer 01 408  526 sanjose.newnet.com  01 408  791 southbay.newnet.com  01 415 472 northbay.calnet.com  01 415  591 sfpeninsula.newnet.com  01 415 781 sanfran.calnet.com  01 510  323 eastbay.calnet.com  01 703  305northvirginia.vanet.com  01 052  124 parma.co.it  44 173  928uknet.co.uk  44 181  456 londonnet.co.uk  61  3  817 melbourn.co.au  81 03 3475 tokyonet.co.jp 886 035  732 taipei.co.tw

In the example being considered, the look-up table indicates that theInternet address of the nearest access computer is “londonnet.co.uk”,which for the purposes of this example may be considered the accesscomputer 13 e. The access computer 13 l then preferably via Internet(step 121), transfers the message file to that computer, step 123, whereit is stored in an incoming repository memory 37. This is typicallyperformed by sending an e-mail message to the appropriate internetaddress. The e-mail typically includes the voice message as an embeddedattachment.

Access computer 13 e, operating in its Internet mode, receives thee-mail message, step 125. In its telephone/fax mode, computer 13 e isprogrammed to periodically poll its memory to determine if an incomingmessage file has been received, step 127. Once it has determined thatsuch a message has been received, it detaches the destination telephonenumber from the file, step 129; prepares the number for dialing byeliminating all unnecessary country and area codes which are no longernecessary, step 13 l and dials the number of the desired telephone 19,step 133. The access computer determines if the telephone 19 isanswered, step 135 and, if so, converts the message to analog format andsends it, step 137. If the telephone 19 is answered by a messagerecorder, the message is sent as voice mail.

When a fax message, rather than a voice message, is to be sent, theoperation is only slightly different. When a user of a fax machine 21,located for instance in the United States in the “415” telephone areacode and the “591” service area, desires to send a fax to a machine inNorthern Virginia having a telephone number (703) 305-6789, he mayproceed in a manner similar to that for a voice message. He may, by wayof his fax telephone line, telephone an access computer 13 k in hislocal telephone area and respond to the identification and destinationaddress inquiries as set forth above with respect to voice mailmessages. However, in response to the signal or statement asking thecaller to speak the message or start the fax, the caller need merely tostart his fax machine 2 l.

As with the voice message, the fax message is received by the computer13 k through its voice/fax board 33 and is converted to a digitalformat, creating an outgoing message file, step 113, including thedestination fax phone number. The remainder of the fax transmission isidentical to voice transmission, it being understood that when the faxis finally sent to the receiving fax machine 23, the access computer 13f is configured to determine that the answer inquiry in step 135requires recognition of a fax machine.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention as shown in FIG. 4, acomputer connected to the network only by a modem can be used as thesending and/or receiving access computer. The access computer 13 m isnot a server in that it does not have a dedicated Internet connectionline. Rather, it is connected to the Internet 11 by means of a modem 39.With such an arrangement, a user of the fax machine 41 uses the sameprocedures as set forth above with respect to the embodiment of FIG. 1.If the fax is to be sent to a fax machine available to a receivingaccess computer which is a server, such as the access computer 13 f, theoverall operation will also be as described above in connection withFIGS. 1 and 3.

However, if the fax is to be sent to a fax machine 47 economicallyavailable only through a non-server receiving access computer, such asaccess computer 13 n, a somewhat different procedure is required if thecomputer 13 n is not connected to the Internet through its modem 45 whenthe fax is being sent. This different procedure requires theavailability of an intermediary access computer which is a server.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 5 together, the operation of a system inaccordance with this embodiment of the invention may be understood. InFIG. 4, any of the access computers having a dedicated access to thetelephone lines and gateways 15 of the Internet 11, such as the computer13 g, may serve as the intermediary access computer. When a user of faxmachine 41 desires to send a fax to the fax machine 47, he proceeds asin the embodiment of FIG. 1 but placing his original telephone call toaccess computer 13 m. The operation of the computer 13 m is identical tosteps 101 through 123 of FIG. 3 (only steps 119 through 123 are shown inFIG. 5). As shown in FIG. 5, the computer 13 m is configured to querywhether the transmission is completed, step 201.

If the host computer 13 n is up and running, the computer 13 m cantransmit the message as in the previous embodiment and an affirmativeresponse to the “Transmitted?” query 201 causes the computer 13 m to endits operation on the fax, step 203. However, if the receiving accesscomputer 13 n is not up and running, the transmission will not becompleted but will be transmitted to a server such as the accesscomputer 13 g, step 225 acting as an intermediary access computer.

The access computer 13 g, operating in its Internet mode of operation,senses the incoming file, step 227 and extracts the fax message anddestination fax phone number, step 229. The access computer 13 g, actingas an intermediary, is further configured to then operate much as senderaccess computer in that it determines the host computer name nearest tothat of the destination fax telephone number, step 219 and attempts toconnect and transmit to the receiving access computer 13 n, step 221. Ifthe connection and transmission are not successful, the access computer13 g repeats the attempt. If the log on is successful, the message istransmitted, step 223. Once the message is successfully received by theaccess computer 13 n, the remainder of the operation is identical tothat described with respect to FIGS. 1 and 3.

In an even broader scope, a single access computer having a dedicatedaccess to the telephone lines and gateways 15 of the Internet couldservice the entire system. Moreover, a computer dedicated to theintermediary function and with no telephone/fax mode of operation couldbe employed to serve as the repository memory for the entire system.

A further embodiment provides a paging system 500 coupled to any of theabove systems, as illustrated by FIG. 6. This paging system is generallyused by a caller to page a receiver using the present invention. Thisallows the caller to page a receiver to retrieve voice messages, faxmessages, and the like that should be brought to the attention of thereceiver in an efficient manner. Other benefits of the paging systemwill be better understood by way of the following descriptions.

As previously described, the system includes computers 11 on theInternet 11. The Internet includes representative computers 13 a through13 l interconnected with each other, as well as with many othercomputers not shown, by means of the usual telephone lines and gateways15. Each of the computers 13 a through 13 l serve as an access point inthe system of the invention.

In addition to the access point computers 13 a through 13 l, there areshown representative telephone sets 17 and 19 and fax machines 21 and23. The telephone 17 may be selectively coupled through its own centraloffice 25, and possibly others, to various telephone units throughoutthe world. Similarly, the telephone 19 and faxes 21 and 23 may beselectively coupled through their respective central stations 27, 29 and31 to other telephone units.

So that all of the access computers 13 a through 13 l are capable ofcommunicating not only on the telephone/fax line but also on theInternet line, they should each usually include a modem. So thatcomputers 13 l, 13 k, 13 e, 13 f, for example, can communicate withtelephones 17, 19, and fax 21, 23, they should each include a voice/faxboard 33. The voice/fax board can be a single unit or multiple units,depending upon the application.

Each of the access point computers 13 a through 13 l also includes twotypes of control, one for telephone/fax communication and one forInternet communication. Such controls are often software controllable,but can be hardware controllable too. Furthermore, each of the accesscomputers 13 a through 13 l should be capable of performing thefunctions of a host computer; that is, it should be capable oftransmitting and receiving data from and to other access computers byusing a communication protocol. In order for the system to operateefficiently, at least one access computer must be a server in the sensethat it has a dedicated Internet connection. Alternatively, no server isnecessary so long as both the sending and receiving access computers andtheir modems are up and running at the time of transmission.

These access point computers 13 a through 13 l are each also coupled toa paging system. The paging system can be any suitable system capable ofbeing coupled to any of the above access computers in any of the aboveservice areas. As an example, the paging system includes both local andwide area paging networks 503.

Local area networks generally provide paging services using one or moretransmitters operating on a single or multiple frequencies, which coverall or a portion of a metropolitan area. Wide area networks encompassseveral overlapping areas of a large metropolitan area or a number ofnon-overlapping metropolitan areas. Paging occurs by using a variety oflocal transmitters, and broadcasting the paging message from alltransmitters to an intended receiver who may be anywhere within the widearea network. Preferably, the paging system includes features of bothlocal and wide area networks or the like. This paging system allows areceiver to receive pages or messages within the service area or outsidethe service area in an efficient manner.

The paging system 500 includes a plurality of paging units 501 or thelike. Each of these paging units 501 is attached to or held by thereceiver. An example of a paging unit is from Pacific Bell, which is aproduct manufactured by Motorola. Of course, other paging units can beused depending upon the application.

Referring to FIGS. 6, 7, and 8, aspects of operating the paging systemaccording to the present invention are described. Of course, theseoperating aspects are merely examples and should not limit the scope ofthe claims herein. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognizeother variations, modifications, and alternatives.

In an embodiment, the system uses a calling procedure for paging areceiver as illustrated by the simplified flow diagram 600 of FIG. 7.The caller (step 603) first places a voice message from a receiver intothe system by way of any of the embodiments described herein. Forinstance, the caller makes a local call to a local access computer andprovides a voice message or facsimile message for the receiver. Any ofthe above techniques among others can be used.

Rather than allowing the receiver to select the time for accessing thevoice message without any notification from the caller, the caller pagesthe receiver by way of this embodiment to notify the receiver of thevoice or facsimile message. For instance, the caller picks up aconventional telephone 505 and dials a phone number 605 which access apaging system 607. The phone number corresponds to the paging unit heldby the receiver.

After accessing the paging system, the caller enters a code 607 usingthe telephone keypad in the form of a numeric or alphanumeric message tocomplete the paging process from the caller side. The receiver receivesthe page (step 611) and the code from the caller (step 613). Based uponthe code from the caller, the receiver is now notified that a voicemessage or facsimile message waits in the receiver's voice mail orfacsimile machine. The receiver calls using a conventional phone thevoice mail or facsimile machine to check for the caller's message (step617). The operation then returns (step 619) to step 603.

An alternative embodiment 700 allows the caller to place the voicemessage and the page into the access computer during a single phoneconnection, as illustrated by FIG. 8. The caller (step 701) calls (step703) via telephone 507 to a local access computer 13 m, for example,without paying for long distance services by the telephone company orthe like. The caller waits for the proper prompt on the telephone fromthe access computer and then accesses the access computer by enteringhis/her identification number 705. Upon receiving the proper prompt fromthe access computer, the caller enters a pager phone number 707 for thereceiver. A further prompt from the access computer indicates that avoice mail message is ready to be transmitted by the caller. The callerprovides the voice mail message into the access computer by speakinginto the telephone. Details of providing and converting the voice mailmessage were described in the preceding embodiments. The voice mailmessage and pager phone number are converted into a digital format fortransmission over the Internet 711 to the receiver's voice maildestination.

At this destination at another access computer, the pager number for thereceiver is dialed (step 713) using the access computer. The accesscomputer connects to the paging system. Once connected, the caller codeis transmitted to the paging system (step 715) from the access computer.The receiver is paged (step 717) by the paging system. The receiverreceives the page and the code from the caller on a display (step 719)on the paging unit, thereby notifying the receiver of the caller's voicemail message or facsimile message. The caller calls (step 721) viatelephone to a access computer having the voice message by the receiver.The receiver retrieves the voice message (step 725) deposited by thecaller. Details of this operation were described above and are furtherdescribed below.

These descriptions for sending voice messages and paging are merelyexamples of the types of functions that can be performed on the presentsystem for telecommunications. Various modifications, alternatives, andvariations can also be used. Accordingly, the above descriptions shouldnot limit the scope of the claims herein.

System Software

An embodiment any of the above systems can be implemented on a computeror computers using processing functions which are carried out usingcomputer software. This software is programmed into a memory of one ofthe computers or more than one computer or other portions of the system.The software can be programmed using a suitable code such as C, C++, andothers.

The software is merely an example of a medium used for implementingembodiments of the present invention. The software can be combined orseparated using software features and hardware. Additionally, featuresin the software can also be implemented using objects or the like. Ofcourse, one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize othermodifications, alternatives, and variations. Details of the software aredescribed by way of the Figures below.

FIGS. 9-12 are simplified illustrations of methods or processesimplemented using computer software and system hardware. Of course,other processes or methods can be used depending upon the application.

The simplified flow diagram 800 of FIG. 9 illustrates a process leavinga message with a receiver according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. The process generally involves steps of destination numberentry 803, message recording 815, information attachment 823, searchingdestination server address 825, transmitting the message file 827 overthe Internet 829, and others.

A destination telephone number from the caller side or caller (step 801)can be entered (step 803) using these following steps according to thepresent invention. If a pager for the receiver is used (step 805), theprocess allows the caller to enter a pager telephone number for thepager of the receiver through a telephone followed by a key assigned forallowing entry of the caller code for the pager (e.g., “*”), whichallows the caller to enter a number (i.e., caller code) to be appearedon the pager display or screen. The caller than enters a destinationtelephone number (step 811) using the telephone keypad.

Alternatively, if a destination telephone number with an extension ofthe receiver (step 809) is used, the process allows the caller to enterthe destination number with the extension (step 811) for the receiverthrough the telephone keypad. In particular, the caller enters thedestination number into the access computer via telephone followed by akey (e.g., ‘**’) on the telephone assigned for prompting entry of theextension number, which allows the caller to enter the extension numberinto the access computer. Alternatively, the caller merely enters thedestination telephone number (step 813) for the receiver on thetelephone keypad.

After entering the destination telephone number (and pager number insome embodiments), the process allows the caller to record a voicemessage (step 815) to be sent to a voice mailbox in memory of the accesscomputer or other location. Alternatively, the process allows the callerto record a message which will be sent via facsimile to the receiver.Details of recording the voice message are described throughout thespecification.

If the caller wants to re-record (step 817) the message, a key (e.g.,“1”) assigned to this function is depressed (step 819) on the telephone,which allows the caller to re-record the message (step 815) via branch816. Alternatively, the caller presses a key assigned for termination(step 821) of the voice message. Upon terminating the voice message, thephone is placed back on the hook, which also can terminate the messagein this process.

Once the voice message (or facsimile message) and destination (and pagernumber in some embodiments) are placed into memory of the accesscomputer. The process attaches (step 823) sender/receiver information(e.g., e-mail address, phone number) to the message file. It searches(step 825) a destination server address, which is closest to thedestination number. Preferably, the destination server address is in thesame calling code (or area code) as the destination number to reduce anycosts associated with conventional long distance calling, which is abenefit of the present invention. This occurs by matching thedestination address to the destination server address in a look-up tableor the like. Details of this procedure were previously described.

The message file with sender/receiver information (step 827) istransmitted to the destination server (or access computer) for storage(or retrieval) purposes. Any of the above embodiments and others can beused for preparing the sender/receiver information and message file andtransmitting them over the Internet (step 829) to a destination accesscomputer. The destination access computer can dial the destinationtelephone number and forward the voice message to a voice mail box,facsimile machine, or the like.

The above descriptions of the caller side process are merely examples offunctions performed by computer software and the like. As is know to oneof ordinary skill in the art, the above functions could be combined oreven separated using either or both hardware and software or the like.

FIG. 10 is a simplified flow diagram of a process 900 performed on thereceiver side (step 901) according to the present invention. The processbegins by performing steps for receiving a message file (step 903),which includes at least the voice message, the destination number, andin some embodiments the pager number and caller code. If the messagefile is received from the Internet (step 905), a copy of the messagefile is placed into a working repository (step 907). Alternatively, theprocess waits in a loop (step 909) to receiver the message file viabranch 908.

Upon receiving the message file, which is kept in a working repository,the process detaches (step 911) the voice message from thesender/receiver information. The sender/receiver information is read bythe process (step 913). This reading step allows the process todesignate the destination number and paging instructions, if any. Theprocess stores (step 915) the message file into a memory of the accesscomputer. In an embodiment, the process copies (step 917) the messagefile to a voice mailbox in the access computer or system from theworking repository.

The process via read destination number step dials the destinationnumber (step 919). Depending upon the type of delivery designated, theprocess performs the following steps. If the sender/receiver informationdesignates a pager number (step 921) for the receiver, the process viaaccess computer dials and calls (step 923) the pager number and, afterthe appropriate prompt, enters the number to be appeared on the pagerdisplay, as often necessary by the paging system. The process then dialsthe destination number (step 929) to connect the access computer to thedevice (e.g., voice mailbox, facsimile, etc.) at the destination numberto deliver the message.

Alternatively, if the voice message is to be delivered at the receiver'sdestination phone number extension (step 925), the process via accesscomputer dials (step 927) the destination number and, after receivingthe appropriate prompts after a successful connection, enters theextension number of the receiver. Alternatively, the process via accesscomputer merely dials the destination number (step 929) beforeproceeding to the remaining steps. These remaining steps can includetransferring the voice message to a voice mailbox, a facsimile machine,or the like, such as those shown in the embodiments herein.

Upon successful connection, the access computer plays (step 931) thevoice message. The voice message can be played directly to the receiver,to a voice mailbox, or to a facsimile machine. If the message is neededto be repeated by the receiver (step 933), the receiver presses (step935) a key assigned (e.g., “1”) for such a repeat operation or thereceiver hangs up (step 937) the phone to terminate the operation.

The above descriptions of a receiver side process are merely examples offunctions performed by computer software and the like. As is know to oneof ordinary skill in the art, the above functions could be combined orseparated using either or both hardware and software or the like.

FIG. 11 is a simplified flow diagram 1000 illustrating a process forusers (or receivers) of the present system to retrieve messages from anaccess computer, rather than a personal facsimile machine or voicemailbox. The process begins at step 1001. The user dials a telephone tocall (step 1003) the local access computer. Upon connection andreceiving a selected prompt asking the user for an access code, the userenters the access code (step 1005) through the keys of the telephone,which is received by the process. The user is now logged on.

The process prompts to the user a variety of options that could beperformed by the present system. In an embodiment, the user selects avoice mailbox (step 1007), which can be password protected (step 1009)for the user. In these embodiments, the user enters a password. Theprocess checks the password for verification or validation. Onceverification or validation is made, the user selects a prompt forlistening (step 1011) to voice messages, if they have been left.

Depending upon the type of delivery attached to the message, the usercan select any one of a variety of messages. For instance, the user canselect messages left using solely the destination number. Alternatively,messages prompted by a pager (step 1013) can be selected. Of course, thetype of message selected depends upon whether any one is available.

The process for retrieving messages in the preceding description ismerely an example of numerous functions performed by computer softwareand the like. As is know to one of ordinary skill in the art, the abovefunctions could be combined or separated using either or both hardwareand software or the like.

FIG. 12 is a simplified flow diagram 1100 of a process for deliverynotification to a receiver. The process begins at step 1103. When amessage file is transmitted to the receiver side of the access computer,the receiver can check for notification of messages from a caller usinga variety of techniques. These techniques include notification by way ofe-mail, facsimile, or phone mail. If the receiver would likenotification from a personal e-mail box (step 1105), the caller mustspecify or set the e-mail notification to the voice message on thepresent system. The caller can also specify a notification to thereceiver's facsimile, voice mailbox, or the like.

Alternatively, the receiver can ask for notification by forwarding allmessages from callers to an e-mail box (step 1107) or a voice mailbox(step 1113) or facsimile machine (step 1111). The receiver can alsochange the designation of the notification by simply calling the accesscomputer and providing the designation.

In other embodiments, the process notifies to the receiver the arrivalof e-mail messages to a receiver by way of transmitting the notificationto the receiver's voice mailbox, facsimile machine, or e-mail box. Voicemessages can also be transmitted to an e-mail box or voice mailbox orfacsimile machine using the appropriate conversions. Of course, the typeof delivery notification will depend upon the application.

While the present invention has been described with reference to a fewspecific embodiments, the description is illustrative of the inventionand is not to be construed as limiting the invention. Variousmodifications may occur to those skilled in the art without departingfrom the true spirit and scope of the invention as defined by theappended claims. For instance, each access computer may actuallycomprise two separate computers, one for incoming messages and the otherfor outgoing messages. In such a case each individual computer need onlybe configured for its specific function.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A system for transmitting voice messagesfrom a caller to a recipient over a network, said system comprising: afirst access device coupled to a network, said first access devicecomprising: a voice encoding device configured to receive a first voicesignal and generate a digital message file, wherein said digital messagefile comprises a complete caller communication; a first storage devicecapable of storing said digital message file; and a transmission deviceconfigured to transmit said digital message file through said network;wherein said transmission device transmits said digital message filethrough said network after said voice encoding device completes thegeneration of said digital message file, and wherein said transmissionof said digital message file is initiated by said first access deviceand is triggered by generation of said digital message file; a secondaccess device coupled to said network, said second access devicecomprising: a receiving device configured to receive said digitalmessage file from said transmission device; a second storage devicecapable of storing said digital message file; a delivery notificationdevice configured to notify of the receipt of said digital message file,wherein said delivery notification is initiated by said second accessdevice and triggered by receipt of said digital message file by saidsecond access device; and a voice decoding device configured to decodesaid digital message file and generate a second voice signal, whereinsaid voice decoding device decodes said digital message file after saidreceiving device completes reception of said digital message file. 2.The system of claim 1 wherein said network comprises a packet-switchednetwork.
 3. The system of claim 2 wherein said packet-switched networkis the public Internet.
 4. The system of claim 1 further comprising acaller voice device and a caller telecommunication medium, wherein saidcaller voice device is coupled through said caller telecommunicationmedium to said voice encoding device.
 5. The system of claim 4 whereinsaid caller voice device is a telephone and said caller communicationmedium comprises a circuit-switched network.
 6. The system of claim 5wherein said circuit-switched network is the public switched telephonenetwork (PSTN).
 7. The system of claim 1 further comprising a recipientvoice device and a recipient telecommunication medium, wherein saidrecipient voice device is coupled through said recipienttelecommunication medium to said voice decoding device.
 8. The system ofclaim 7 wherein said recipient voice device is a telephone and saidrecipient communication medium comprises a circuit-switched network. 9.The system of claim 8 wherein said circuit-switched network is thepublic switched telephone network (PSTN).
 10. The system of claim 1wherein said digital message file further comprises destinationinformation and wherein said destination information is received by saidfirst access device before said transmission device transmits saiddigital message file.
 11. The system of claim 10 wherein saiddestination information is used to select said second access device fromamong a plurality of destination access devices.
 12. A method fortransmitting voice messages from a caller to a recipient over a network,said method comprising: receiving a first voice signal by a first accessdevice; encoding said first voice signal into a digital message file bysaid first access device, wherein said digital message file comprises acomplete caller communication; storing said digital message file on afirst storage device in said first access device; after said step ofencoding is completed, transmitting by said first access device saiddigital message file over a network, wherein said step of transmittingis initiated by said first access device and is triggered by generationof said digital message file; receiving said digital message file fromsaid network by a second access device; storing said digital messagefile by said second access device on a second storage device in saidsecond access device; notifying of the receipt of said digital messagefile by said second access device, wherein said delivery notification isinitiated by said second access device and triggered by receipt of saiddigital message file by said second access device; and after said stepof receiving is completed, decoding said digital message file andgenerating a second voice signal.
 13. The method of claim 12 furthercomprising the step of: transmitting a voice signal from a caller voicedevice through a caller communication medium to said first accessdevice.
 14. The method of claim 13 wherein said caller voice device is atelephone and said caller communication medium comprises acircuit-switched network.
 15. The method of claim 14 wherein saidcircuit-switched network is the public switched telephone network(PSTN).
 16. The method of claim 12 wherein said network comprises apacket-switched network.
 17. The method of claim 16 wherein saidpacket-switched network is the public Internet.
 18. The method of claim12 further comprising the step of: receiving a voice signal by arecipient voice device through a recipient communication medium fromsaid second access device.
 19. The method of claim 18 wherein saidrecipient voice device is a telephone and said recipient communicationmedium comprises a circuit-switched network.
 20. The method of claim 19wherein said circuit-switched network is the public switched telephonenetwork (PSTN).
 21. The method of claim 12 further comprising the stepof: receiving destination information by said first access device andincorporating said destination information into said digital messagefile.
 22. The method of claim 21 wherein said destination information isused to select said second access device from among a plurality ofdestination access devices.